WINS Chief Visits ECOWAS to Boost Nuclear Safety, Training & Technology Collaboration. Raymond Enoch:
In a decisive step toward bolstering regional security and sustainable development, the Executive Director of the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS), Dr. Lars van Dassen, paid a high-level courtesy visit to the ECOWAS Commission headquarters, signaling a new era of cooperation on nuclear safety, strategic technologies, and specialized training across West Africa.
The visit, which took place today at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria centered on aligning nuclear technology with the developmental priorities of the region—particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and energy.
Dr. van Dassen was received by the President of the ECOWAS Commission Dr Omar Alieu Touray and ECOWAS officials who thereafter discussed the secure and peaceful application of nuclear innovations, emphasizing the need for regulatory governance that keeps pace with global safety standards.
“This collaboration is not about nuclear weapons; it’s about how secure nuclear technologies can save lives, improve crops, and power communities,” said Dr. van Dassen, noting the importance of robust safeguards and training in building public trust.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission lauded the visit as timely and transformative, coming as the region increasingly turns to science and innovation to meet its pressing socio-economic challenges. The dialogue paved the way for joint capacity-building initiatives, policy harmonization, and knowledge-sharing platforms designed to equip Member States with the tools to manage sensitive nuclear materials responsibly.
The engagement is also a significant step toward the realization of ECOWAS Vision 2050, a strategic blueprint for regional integration that places human security, sustainable development, and technological resilience at the forefront of West Africa’s transformation agenda.
“With this partnership, ECOWAS is not only reinforcing its role as a leader in regional policy but also championing a future where technology serves the people,” an ECOWAS official remarked.
Both parties expressed optimism about building a long-term relationship grounded in mutual expertise, transparency, and the shared goal of empowering citizens through responsible innovation.
The visit by WINS underscores a powerful message: West Africa is ready to lead the charge in shaping a secure, sustainable nuclear future—one that protects, empowers, and delivers for its people.
